M-LOK Versus KeyMod: What Do the Sales Say?

KeyMod versus M-LOK has largely been hashed out from the end user opinion and engineering perspective yet both systems still have their proponents. Both systems seem to have their share of high profile manufacturing backers which equates to staying power. End user opinions, engineering, and support are one thing but none of those take into count the actual numbers that will likely decide this debate – sales.

MLOK VS KEYMOD

I reached out to a number of manufacturers and retailers who make/sell accessories for both KeyMod and M-LOK and asked them two simple questions: Can you give me a ratio of many KeyMod and M-LOK accessories you sell directly to consumers and does that ratio change on dealer orders?

The only manufacturer that reported that they sell more KeyMod than M-LOK items was Arisaka. They reported that they sell KeyMod over M-LOK at a rate of about 2.5-3 to 1. That ratio holds true for their dealer sales as well.

Arisaka Light Mounts and Finger Stops on both attachment systems

Arisaka Light Mounts and Finger Stops on both attachment systems

Arson Machine reported that their end users order M-LOK over KeyMod at a rate of about 3 or 4 to 1. However, dealer orders are typically more like 1 to 1 in the interest of offering a wide selection to their customers.

Midwest Industries makes several hand guards for both attachment systems. They are a big player in this ongoing battle between the two attachment systems. They reported that they are selling M-LOK over KeyMod at a rate of 3 to 1. Interestingly, they added that both KeyMod and M-LOK have “crushed” their sales of traditional quad rails.

Parallax Tactical also makes hand guard for both systems and they report they sell M-LOK over KeyMod at a rate of 2.5 to 1. They also added that they prefer M-LOK from a manufacturing standpoint.

parallax tactical ffssr rails keymod and mlok

Parallax Tactical offers a full line of hand guards with both KeyMod and M-LOK option for retail and OEM.

I heard from several others manufacturers who had more anecdotal information (all pointed to M-LOK as the better seller) or that didn’t really want to share their numbers. It was interesting that two small retailers that I spoke to shared the sentiment that they tended to order heavy (or exclusively) M-LOK because they have limited cash for inventory and that is what sold better for them.

This certainly won’t end the debate and it shouldn’t because sales numbers don’t mean that one is truly better than the other. There are other factors that can drive sales like ease of manufacturing (and cost), marketing, and more. Sales numbers alone can’t tell the whole story but they can obviously play a huge role in manufacturers and retailers deciding which system to continue supporting. While M-LOK is clearly outselling KeyMod among those who were willing to share, none of the manufacturers indicated that they intended to discontinue sales of one system or the other any time soon.

What about you? Do you have a preference? Hit the comments below.

New Plate Carriers from Perroz Designs

Perroz Designs has rolled out two new plate carrier designs in the last couple of weeks.

perroz designs lpspc gen5

The first new carrier is the Gen.5 version of their excellent LPSPC (see the previous review). The LPSPC Gen.5 is just as light and low profile as previous generations. The biggest difference is a useful one – an adjustable cummerbund. Previous iterations of the LPSPC had an integrated, non-adjustable cummerbund. The new Gen.5 version’s cummerbund is attached to the rear plate pocket via hook and loop material which makes it adjustable and should make it easier to swap rear plate pockets.

perroz designs mspc

The second carrier is all new. Perroz Designs has introduced their new MSPC or Minimalist Slick Plate Carrier. It takes the lessons that Perroz Designs has learned with the LPSPC and strips them down even further to a very minimalist but still functional plate carrier.

Many of the same materials used in the LPSPC can be found in the new MSPC like 500D Cordura nylon construction and 3D spacer mesh backing material. One of the best things about the LPSPC was how effectively it made use of Hypalon to keep the plate carrier low profile through the shoulders and cummerbund. The MSPC does the same with its Hypalon shoulder straps and cummerbund. In fact, if you have been following Perroz Designs for a while, the MSPC will look a little but like an improved LPSPC Gen1.

The MSPC has an adjustable cummerbund. It also has removable QASM buckles and a large hook Velcro field on the front that allow it to scale up rapidly from slick to load bearing with the addition of Velcro backed panels or SwiftClip compatible chest rigs/panels.

Axe Rifle Raffle

You may remember the “AXE” Special Purpose Rifle that Sionics Weapons Systems was able to help build as a tribute to fallen Navy SEAL Matt “Axe” Axelson. The AXE was a very limited edition rifle (only 99 made), available only through Axelson Tactical. If you want to get your hands on one and help out the Special Operations Wounded Warriors charity, check out the 2016 Axelson Tactical Rifle Raffle that is being put on with the help of Brownells and others.

Sionics Weapon Systems shared some pictures of the first AXE SPR rifle as it moved through the hand building process.

AXE SPR Build 2

The APO Experience

Your wife wants a real vacation. You want to take a precision rifle course. You can both get what you want with the APO Experience.

APO Experience

APO stands for Ashbury Precision Ordnance, one of the premier names in precision rifles. The APO Experience is an all-inclusive precision rifle training experience that is similar to a premium golf getaway or high-end hunting lodge experience. You get to work with APO to choose from their beautiful training locations and accommodations. They provide top-flight trainers, 5 star accommodations, gourmet food, and a variety of seriously cool rifles.

In the courses, you will get a chance to train on long range targets, extreme long range targets, high angle shooting, and more. This is real long range training that is tailored to anyone from the beginner to the experienced.

Check out the APO Experience on their new website.

APO Experience 2

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